Ghost

Ghost follows NAOS's 2 previous excellent musicals . This musical directed by Mike Follen, who excelled with some ambitious staging, did not disappoint. The use of the travelator was inspiring, not only  giving realism to the actors traversing the stage , but also for some slick scenery changes. In particular I was very impressed by the transition when Sam was shot dead and his ghost and lifeless body were on the stage together. The use of the split door to allow the ghost to enter and exit the room was cleverly done . Scenery was very simple but effective although I thought there was overuse of haze .

Newark Ops are very lucky to have drawn young people into their company - other societies I know struggle and  the 3 main leads did not disappoint. I was particularly impressed by Carl Bruner as Dan Spendlow and a special mention of Andrea Chapman who was excellent in her role of Oda Mae Brown .

Movement was simple but effective. There were some great voices on the stage. At times the volume of the music and singing was too loud, slightly distorting voices .

It was a lovely touch to give the audience tissues wrapped in a ghost sleeve to dab away tears at the emotional finale. I’m sure some of them used them.

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